California residents living in apartments or rented homes could soon benefit from plug-in solar panels designed for balconies or fences. Governor Gavin Newsom has signed the Plug and Play Solar Act, a bill authored by Senator Scott Wiener. This legislation allows easy installation of smaller solar panels, providing a more accessible option for those unable to install rooftop systems.
The act aims to empower renters and homeowners by enabling them to manage their energy expenses independently. Known as ‘balcony solar,’ these systems are popular in Germany and nine other U.S. states where laws have already approved them. The bill authorizes panels that can generate up to 1,200 watts, enough to power a refrigerator and several small appliances.
The bill applies specifically to certified panels sold in the United States. These panels must meet safety standards set by organizations like UL Solutions.
Bernadette del Chiaro from the Environmental Working Group, a co-sponsor of the bill, mentioned that two companies expect certification by the year’s end. She anticipates these products will hit the market by 2027.
Opposition came from Pacific Gas & Electric, which expressed concerns over safety and potential financial inequities for those without panels. However, the law progresses alongside other signed legislation promoting small-scale solar initiatives.
Senator John Becker’s SB 905 and SB 913 also address California’s energy challenges. SB 905 focuses on optimizing existing power lines and assessing alternatives to infrastructural upgrades. SB 913 supports virtual power plants, allowing them to enter the state’s energy market.
There’s a push for enhancing community solar programs, though Newsom vetoed AB 1813, which aimed at developing these initiatives further.